Reading some forum posts as I write down possible mtf goals this morning, and now started to think about lactation again.  Is it wierd for me to even want this, or put it into a list of desireables.   I know it happens to some mtf's.  But, when it does happen is it really worth it, or just another thing to deal with it?

Hum, once your nipples hurt from ongoing HRT stimulated breast growth, it's not something that seems of any priority, to say but the least.

I do have a breast pump, have tried, got some 'pre-stuff' (only on one side) but that is more then a year ago.
It is VERY much different if one seriously intends to actually want to feed a baby in the family. No question for me, and not weird at all.

However, leaking into your bra just for the heck of it... it REALLY can get messy, and can get on your nerves too.
It's all a bit like the "would you like to have periods" thread. If I was the age and could help to feed a baby, I was in the front-line.
Just to 'pump-up' one's breasts... as I said, I tried and for now I think it was 'educational' of sorts and that's that 

Axélle

I know I use to have that problem and it was not much fun

Sorry you didn't enjoy it, but lactation can actually be pretty hot in the right situation... >.>

Quote from: kathy bottoms on May 20, 2012, 06:05:33 AM
Reading some forum posts as I write down possible mtf goals this morning, and now started to think about lactation again.  Is it weird for me to even want this, or put it into a list of desireables.   I know it happens to some mtf's.  But, when it does happen is it really worth it, or just another thing to deal with it?

As a young teen with gynecomastia, I had a couple of episodes of galactorrhea (milk flow not associate with pregnancy).  It was likely the result of wildly fluctuating hormone levels.  It was not much, and it was associated with the small amount of glandular tissue I had developed under my nipples.

There are ways to medically stimulate galactorrhea or lactation, but I wouldn't know how.

I was lactating a bit for a while ...

Wasn't really so amazing... was just strange (just like squeezing a pimple ? no real sensation other than squeezing your chest). I remember thinking "you have gotta be kidding me...wtf are you doing now body??" a lot

I dunno, I am kind of glad it happened though? I can brag to my sisters about how my breasts are proven functional and theirs are only functional in theory

I have been lactating on and off for years now. I produce plenty of milk, expressing 2-3 times a day. Breast feeding is a wonderful feeling

I don't know if lactation should be called a nuisance, or a blessing.  It is after all 100% natural.

My breasts are fine as just a nice part of my body, but I have a nagging feeling that something would be missing if I let it end with just having them.  Since they started growing I've honestly considered the possibility of lactation, even if it was inconvenient, and required extra work to hide at times.  It should be a wonderful part of being a woman, but is it just validation of a functional part of having breasts, or fulfillment?  I'm leaning towards fulfillment.

Quote from: kathy bottoms on May 20, 2012, 06:05:33 AM
Reading some forum posts as I write down possible mtf goals this morning, and now started to think about lactation again.  Is it wierd for me to even want this, or put it into a list of desireables.   I know it happens to some mtf's.  But, when it does happen is it really worth it, or just another thing to deal with it?

I can't say that I'm fond of my breast but I do want to experience lactation at least a few times and I'm a little bit jealous that some of you ladies can do it.

In my personal opinion breasts have been sexualized via the media when they have been used to nurture.  I see that as freaking cool that breast can produce a food source.  It is certainly natural to desire this.

Plus I have to agree with The Passage.  >.>

during pregnancy girl's breasts develops into woman's breasts
so I see it a reasonable goal

I had it happen a few months after starting HRT. More of a "thing that makes you go oh" moment than anything else. Cool in a way I suppose. 

I leaked a small amount when I developed as a teenager.  It was messy to have the wetness in your bra. Wore a pads for a few weeks when it was the worst.  Not as bad as having a monthly shark attack it was not red and there wasn't very much of it.

Calling a period a "shark attack" is a tad...catty no?

A doctor said to add all goals to a list, whether achievable or not, and have reasons why those are important as a transgendered person.  Then go through the list and determine how it would feel when experiencing each item, even if they never happen.  This exercise seems a little overboard, but I'm so confused that maybe it's necessary.  Anyway, I have now definitely decided to add lactation to an achievable list.  And although it's not achievable, having a period is going on the list that needs a clear explanation why it's desirable. 

Hdello Kathy,
I can understand your desire to lactate. There are TSs who are lactating, I am one.
You can contact me and I can direct you to some sites which can help,
Bronwen.

I don't really care about it for it's own sake. i've been given to understand that there's a relationship between prolactin (sp) cycling, lactation, and fullness of breast (i.e. getting out of the "pointy" stage)

To the extent that lactation, or at least the potential to,  helps develop that fullness I am interested. but not just milk for milk's sake.

Tammy,
As I said above I have been lactating on and off for years. Lactation fully develops the milk ducts and connecting flow to the nipple. My nipples have grown from using a electric breast pump.

Dale